A Promise for Spring

Heart of the Prairie #3

by Kim Vogel Sawyer

England-born Emmaline Bradford pledged her life to Geoffrey Garrett and then bid him farewell when he sailed to America. Although Geoffrey anticipated only a short separation, several years passed before he was able to send for Emmaline. By then the fiery flame of her youthful love had all but died. Shocked by the conditions on Geoffrey's Kansas sheep ranch, Emmaline wishes to return to England immediately. Geoffrey offers a If Emmaline promises to stay until spring, he'll pay her return fare if she decides to go back to her home country. When spring arrives, will Emmaline return to England, or will she marry Geoffrey and carve out a life with him in Kansas?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Christian, Historical, Christian Historical Fiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Award-winning, bestselling author Kim Vogel Sawyer told her kindergarten teacher that someday people would check out her book in the library. The little-girl dream came true in 2006 with the release of Waiting for Summer's Return. Kim's titles now exceed 1.5 million copies and are available in six different languages. A former elementary school teacher, she now enjoys a full-time writing and speaking ministry. Kim's passion lies in writing stories that point the reader to a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. When Kim isn't writing, you'll find her traveling with her retired military hubby, spoiling her granddarlings, petting the cats, quilting, or--as time allows--participating in community theater. You can learn more about Kim's writing and speaking ministries at her website, KimVogelSawyer.com.

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this prairie tale by Kim Vogel Sawyer! Now, the characters did need to have a Gibbs-slap to the back of their heads more than once, and were plagued with the big problem of just talk to each other already! but the vivid side characters of Tildy and her husband and the excellent period writing and descriptions made up for it. 3.5 stars.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it alright, but it was frustrating too. The whole book was filled with their stupid miscommunications all because they would never speak to each other they'd be so mad or so sad or so in love that "the words wouldn't come" so they wouldn't make up. Made me mad. So I only had about half a chapter of resolve and relief. She could've stopped being stupid sooner if you ask me.

[Magda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was ready to slap her. Too whiny, too close to home.

[Mayda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The year is 1874, and Emmaline is fraveling to America to be wed to her promised beau. But 5 long years has passed since they were together, and they are strangers to each other, at least in Emmaline’s eyes. Yes, you can pretty much see how this will end from the beginning. And if the pleasure is in the journey, not the end, then this journey went on too long. There are some interesting aspects to the story, but by far, the best is the character of Tildy, especially in this audio version. Barbara Caruso does an excellent job of portraying the characters, and her portrayal of Tildy is exceptional. But the plot itself is thin, the characters mostly stereotypical, and the story just plods along.

[Sarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Usually I really enjoy Kim Vogel Sawyer due to the strong Christian theme and lessons and character growth.

Both of these were evident in this story, but for some reason I struggled to really connect to the main characters and found myself just wanting to get to the end of the story.

I listened to the audiobook and it might be the narrator who also added to my annoyed feeling.

*I listened to the audiobook on Scribd.*

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute read overall, but not my favorite by this author, and that’s really for one reason: Geoffrey (the male lead). I did not like him at all. At first he was more or less fine, but he was so rude and judgy toward Emmaline (who was trying SO HARD) that as the story progressed I liked him less and less. It seemed like she could do nothing right in his eyes and he was constantly picking at her. Emmaline was quite a fish out of water character and I could definitely sympathize with her. I loved Tildy. This author excels at writing characters with strong faith who inspire those around them. Tildy was another great example of that. I did like the faith moments and seeing the characters’ faith deepen. That was really nice.


TW: animal deaths (sheep/lambs, horse), nothing graphic but it does occur.

[Hannah Beth (Hannah's Book Cafe) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reread this book for a reading challenge where you reread an old favorite.

Let's just say it has stayed a favorite. I didn't remember exactly how frustrating the characters are at first, but you fall in love with them as the story progresses. I don't know if there are any more books that are a part of this wonderful world of Emmaline and Geoffrey, but if there are, just know I will be reading them. They are the type of characters you remember for a long time. I couldn't remember too much about this story because it had been years since I read it, but I did remember the Geoffrey was upset that Emmaline kept wearing her black dresses. This will always be something I remember this book by as well, because it makes me laugh.

Also, Tilly is such a good character and totally makes the story

I'm very glad I reread it and now I need to read more of Kim Vogel Sawyer's work!

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would probably give this book 2 and a half stars if I could. my least favorite of all Sawyer's books so far. I found the hero and heroine very difficult to like. Emmaline was childish, whiney, selfish...I didn't feel sorry for her at all. Geoffrey started out good; faithful, loving but somewhere, I don't even know where/why he became this awful guy, angry all the time, yelling. I'm not sure what happened.
I also don't know when they fell in love. the first conversation they had without yelling or Emmaline stomping from the room is halfway through the book. Then suddenly she loves him. Of course he has decided by then to ignore her. The plot was predictable to a fault. After 5 yrs of a profitable farm everything bad happens in one season. Then after praying things turn around. I know it makes for a good moral story (trust God in the hard times) but it doesn't ring true to life. I would say read Sawyer's other books.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, though for the first half of it, I wanted to sit both main characters down and give them a good talking-to! Such stubbornness! That said, when they each learned to truly put their trust in God, they began to redeem themselves in my eyes, but oh! The goings-on before then!
It occurs to me that the first paragraph of this review was written as if I were Miss Tildy. I'm going to leave it as such, because, if I'm perfectly honest, she was my favourite character in the book. I think everyone needs such a good, honest, friend who will point them right back to God, every time!
3.5 stars

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Finished by listening to audio. Don't think I would have gotten through it otherwise. Tells a good story and tries to throw in hardships and trials to offset the ridiculous good fortune that is seen by the end, but still very unrealistic.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in one day while traveling from TN to NJ by car. Once I started, it was hard to put down. I enjoy good Christian fiction and though I have only read one other book by this author, just before I read this one, I will definitely read more of Kim Vogel Sawyer's books.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is as close to a perfect book as I've read. I highly recommend it.

[Alicia Ruggieri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for those who enjoy Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly books, this sweet story gently encourages the reader to find their strength in God, rather than in money, possessions, or an earthly home.

[Simcyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know this is a Christian book... but oh, the preaching. I guess I was hoping for a nice romance without the frequent physical aspect that so many authors think needs to be included.

I just didn't like Emmaline. First she spent her time whining and running away without any thought of her promise... then suddenly she "found God" and her character completely changed. Never though did she put herself in Geoffrey's place and think about why he was feeling/acting the way he was. Oh no.... he wasn't Godly enough and she now had to change him. I think she needed to change her prayers to changing herself... then poor Geoffrey may have had some hope in some sort of future.

I suppose I spent most of my time while listening to this book thinking "talk already" and stop lashing out.

[Bonnie Dieffenbacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young English woman travels to a Kansas sheep ranch to marry a man she promised herself to 5 years ago, but finds they have both changed and refuses marriage. She must stay at the ranch for 10 months as his housekeeper until he can afford to send her back. A sweet Christian novel. I liked it a lot.

[Rachel Messick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good read! Romantic and similar to Redeeming Love but not as heavy (no prostitution). Sweet story of a reluctant bride whose groom waited for her to fall back in love with him.

[Tracey Steeves · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the third book I've read by this author. Absolutely loved the first 2 but really didn't enjoy this one. I found the heroine completely unlikable until about 3/4 of the way through. The secondary characters were the highlight for me.

[Bonney Fritz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reading of the land scapping

I loved the way the Characters came to life. How God was the center of their lives and how man has to let God in his heart. This man is so much like my husband . Couldn't put this book down

[Bridget R. Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yeah...this one made me cry. I can't resist a book that makes me cry.

[Maam · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was okay but predictable and a little bit preachy at the end. Typical formula Christian novel. The accents on the CD drove me nuts...didn't sound at all English.

[Cathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

communication would work

[Ashley Prescott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I ever read of Kim Vogal Sawyer. And I was immediately swept away in this love story about two young loves who become engaged, who have been separated for 5 years, and although his love remains for her and dreams of marrying her once his life is settled on his sheep farm and the life he had in hopes of giving to her.
Her love has faded and he has become a stranger too her. She immediately wants to return home to England. But he asks her to consider a compromise. If she will return to his farm to live in the ranch house by herself as his housekeeper while he bunks with his farm hands, it will allow them time to get to know each other again. She loved him before, he hopes she will come to love him again.
His faith with God and with her is tested. And he learns a valuable lesson that helps reconcile him back to God and too his lady love.

She too experiences alot of character growth in this book that is very satisfying and inspiring. And this is truly a a wonderful must read novel that is a page turner you will not want to put down for hours.

One thing I love about novels like this, is that it also inspired the reader to take a deeper look into their own hearts and souls and perhaps learn a valuable lesson and be inspired to improve their relationships with their spouse, family and most importantly God.

This is not a book or an Author you want to pass up. I encourage you to add this book as well as other novels from this amazing author to your personal library. You will not regret it!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. This reminded me in so many ways of Love Comes Softly series by Janette Oke. Emmaline arrives from England at her father's insistence to kansas where she is to wed Geoffrey Garrett who went away to America to start a life of his own. Only, the saying that the absence makes the heart grow fonder doesn't apply here. she has not heard from Geoffrey since he left only tidbits through her domineering father that he wants her to know. Emmaline gets a case of cold feet when they are to wed and a margain is made. she will stay on his ranch until the spring. Then, if she still doesn't want to wed, he will send her back to England.
Emmaline grows frustrated at his bossiness and tries to run away. Will she find the God of her childhood and restore her faith so that she can wade the troubled waters of newlywed marriage. Or will it be just too hard to stand? An awesome book by Sawyer.

[Mariab · Rating 4 out of 5]

O prietenie profundă și o dragoste gingașă.
Când cineva își onorează promisiunea, dragostea vine încet încet.
Este uimitor cum Emmaline a ajuns din nou să îl iubească pe Geoffery după cinci ani de distanță unde începuse sa îl vadă ca pe un străin, însă Geoffery mereu și-a iubit oile, mereu și-a iubit ferma și mereu a iubit-o pe Emmaline. A fost suficiente aceste trei lucruri ca Dumnezeu să-i readucă împreună...

Toate încercările și vremurile dificile din viața omului mereu sunt pentru un scop. Te rog să ți minte: "sentimentele de iubire nu vin așa repede, da' ele tot vin dacă te uiți înspre Domnu!"
 
Cartea aceasta o recomand atât tinerelor la care se gândesc la un partener de viață pentru viitorul lor căt și pentru cele la care sunt logodite și sunt aproape gata de a face pasul căsătoriei.
Lectură plăcută.💙

[Darlene Wilson]

England-born Emmaline Bradford pledged her life to Geoffrey Garrett and then bid him farewell when he sailed to America. Although Geoffrey anticipated only a short separation, several years passed before he was able to send for Emmaline. By then the fiery flame of her youthful love had all but died. Shocked by the conditions on Geoffrey's Kansas sheep ranch, Emmaline wishes to return to England immediately. Geoffrey offers a compromise: If Emmaline promises to stay until spring, he'll pay her return fare if she decides to go back to her home country. In the car with Christi - to FF - Andy Burbidge's funeral.

[Chloe H · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was very enjoyable!

Lots of drama, but I like that kind of thing. Geoffrey and Emmaline had an interesting relationship. It was friends to lovers to enemies to friends to lovers.

Jim was funny and added some drama. He was so sweet.

I thought Tildy would actually share the gospel when she told Emmaline she was concerned for her soul, but instead told her she needed to pray and ask God for His strength??? That's fine, I guess, but what does that have to do with her soul? Her salvation? I guess I've come to expect that from Kim Vogel Sawyer's books, but it's kinda sad.

It was fun, and I enjoyed reading it, but no theological depth. Which I've come to expect from "Christian" fiction.

[gabriela · Rating 1 out of 5]

Daca ai o duminica ploioasa si nimic de facut...daca te-ai saturat de lecturi "grele", atunci poti incerca aceasta carte.
Nimic surprinzator, ba mai mult: foarte previzibil.
Dar cateodata este placut sa stii ca totul se termina cu bine. Fara sfasieri interioare, fara pierderi ireparabile.
De fapt asta e promisiunea romanului. Mission accomplished!

[Kit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this author, and I enjoyed the setting of this book, but this was just one big misunderstanding pie. Geoffrey drove me insane. I liked Miss Emmaline. There was a lot of tension that didn't really boil up to what it lead me to expect. Could have been a lot improved, for what it was it was good enough. Read easy. Clean.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Irritating characters

I almost quit reading this book a few times, because both of the main characters were idiots. Emmaline was the worst, childish and selfish and spoiled. She was 22, but I don't believe a woman of 22 would have been that stupid... The book wasn't completely horrible, or I wouldn't have finished it, but probably really only a 2.

[Missik · Rating 2 out of 5]

The main character is whiney, spoiled, and quite unlikable. Plus it is somewhat unbelievable (spoiler) that she is 22 years old and knows nothing about washing dishes or housekeeping. Seriously, she doesn’t know that you have to use soap when washing dishes?